Yes, obesity is very prevalent. Take a look at these trends, as published by the Centers for Disease Control.

Notice that in 1990s, very few states were blue. If they were blue, it was a very light blue, indicating that only 10-14% of the population had a Body Mass Index of over 30. A BMI over 30 means you are obese.

As time went on, many more states became blue, and even darker blue. In fact, some are now black, indicating that over 30% of their population is obese. The only state that has been spared is Colorado, which is still very light blue.

Take a look at the 2008 numbers on a more detailed map:

Colorado is spared with an obesity rate of only 15-19%, while some states, like Tennessee, Arkansas, Alabama, and South Carolina have an obesity rate over 30%.

This is bad news for all of us. The cost of healthcare across the nation will rise and we will become more and more unhealthy.

We can do something about it now.

Children haven't been spared either. They inherit their bad eating habits from their parents. Take a look at the Centers for Disease Control map on obesity rates among high school children.

The map mimics the adult population very closely. States with the highest incidence of obesity for adults, also have high rates of obesity in their children, with few exceptions.

It's time to adopt a diet and lifestyle changes that can be passed on from generation to generation. This is something good you can give your children.